title: Oral cancer and precancer: clinical features.
abstract: This article provides descriptions and illustrations of some of the ways in which oral cancer and its precursor lesions may present clinically. It draws attention to aspects of differential diagnosis and highlights the significance of various sites and appearances in relation to risk. The importance of establishing an early diagnosis is emphasised, particularly for those lesions which cannot readily be explained on clinical grounds. In addition to malignant lesions affecting the oral mucosa, those arising on the lips and within the jaw bones are also mentioned. Finally, emphasis is placed on the importance of a systematic and thorough procedure for examining the oral tissues and adjacent structures.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Unit, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology